The blog of www.erikgoddard.com, featuring news, updates and information for the miniature architectural work of Erik Goddard.

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Monday, January 4, 2016

Occurrence at West 71st Street

Murder, revenge, jealousy—some of humanity’s oldest vices. One night in June, several events occurred within the walls of these brownstones. This 1/24 scale piece reveals the hours of that night and the motivations of the characters. Views through the various windows show several scenes taking place in this row of aging and converted brownstone apartments, where a 911 call began a tumultuous evening. By the following dawn, the death count was three, with the final one being a suicide. Who were the victims? What happened? Who did it? These are variables that the viewer has to piece together from the evidence available. The clues are visible through windows, doorways, and around the structure itself. The answer lies within these walls, and within the hearts of men.Characters:--Flora, a young aspiring singer, in love with Christian.--Christian: hopes to be a professional painter. In love with Flora.--Santos: a police detective, with a back history and a grudge. --Sheldon: Santos’ lieutenant.--Charlie “The Major” Smith: the building caretaker.--“Angel”: a man on the run.--Supporting cast as needed.Although I've changed the name of this piece from 21st st to 71st, the spirit is the same. Greenwich Village does have some brownstones and I wanted a catchier shorter name, but upper west side is where the scenario takes place.I started out as my inspiration with a well-known piece of art in western culture. I won't give it away now, since the element of the unknown is the whole motivation for the whodunnit aspect of this piece, but I had to take a deep look at the characters, motivations, and names, as well as bring them up to speed on modern life in NYC.